2011
Yamaha R15 version 0
Yamaha set a new example with the
launch of their most anticipated sporty motorcycle the R15 in the year
2008, the motorcycle was an instant hit in India, there were no other
motorcycle in the Indian market which could match the technology and
performance of this sportsbike from Yamaha. However after 3 year of its
launch it was time for Yamaha to bring the updated version of the R15 in
the Indian market, so in the year 2011 Yamaha launched the newer and
meaner version of the Yamaha R15 and christened it as R15 version 2.0.
The Motorcycle looks like a proper racing machine and has the DNA of a
sportsbike in it, the R15 can also be called the baby R1. The R15
version 2.0 has the looks and performances which will definitely attract
everyone’s attention.
The R15 version 2.0 is powered by a 149.8
cc Liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine which generates 17 PS of maximum power
at 8,500 RPM and 15 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM, the engine has been mated
with a 6 speed gearbox. There are lots of interesting features about
this motorcycle, Let’s find out in details about them.
Design
The
R15 version 2.0 is an unique looking motorcycle in the Indian market.
The front of the Version 2.0 remains almost same as the R15, it has duel
headlamps in the front which almost looks like the bigger Yamaha R1 and
is the signature styling of the R1 family. The major changes that has
been made in the motorcycle starts from the mid section of the
motorcycle, the mid-fairing has been tweaked to give it a more meaner
and muscular appearance , the advantage to that is the aerodynamics of
the Version 2.0 is improved by almost 4% which also has made its mark in
its performance. A new mock carbon fiber side panel has been added
which almost stretches to the rear seat and looks stylish and adds to
the sporty elements of the motorcycle.
The new rear seats looks
more aggressive and now and has a separate section for both front and
the pillion rider, it also has slip resistant seat cover for the safety
of the rider, although the pillion might face problems seating at the
back. Version 2.0 has been fitted with a brand new more aggressively
angled exhaust which looks sporty and stylish, it also has a new
sculpted cover with mock carbon fiber finish to it and the R15 embossed
metal plate has been attached which looks good on the exhaust. The rear
tail section has also been angled aggressively and the rear tail light
now has an LED unit which looks almost like the Yamaha’s very own R6. An
alloy frame also has been fitted at the rear which holds the number
plate along with the side turn indicators of the motorcycle, but there
is no rear handle grab bar which adds to the disadvantage. Another major
change that the motorcycle received are the tyres, the new Version 2.0
has been fitted with wider tyres at the rear which enhanced the overall
looks of the motorcycle but hampers its performance part by little
margin. The front section now has a more wider tyre than its
predecessor. Overall the Version 2.0 is almost a new motorcycle and
looks meaner and sportier than the older version for sure.
The overall dimension of the R15 version 2.0 is given below:
| Length | 1970mm |
| Width | 670mm |
| Height | 1070mm |
| Wheelbase | 1345mm |
Engine and performance
The
engine remains the same as it was in the previous version of the R1,
the version 2.0 is powered by the same 149.8 cc Liquid-cooled 4-stroke
engine which generates 17 PS of maximum power at 8,500 RPM and 15 Nm of
torque at 7,500 RPM, the engine has been mated with a 6 speed gearbox.
The
new R15 version 2.0 is 5 kg heavier than the older R15 but it is
powered by the same engine so that can certainly raise a question that
has the performance been degraded in the Version 2.0? and the answer to
that is No the performance has increased by a little margin in the new
R15 version 2.0 and this was possible because of the recalibrated E.C.U
and tweaked gearing. The R15 version 2.0 is faster than the old R15 by a
little margin. The R15 version 2.0 is a sports bike and the best place
for riding this motorcycle is open highways but it does perform well in
the city traffic too.
Ride and handling
The
motorcycle is a good handler both in the straight as well as winding
roads. The Motorcycle and the good tyres gives the rider confidence in
leaning into corners, this motorcycle has got the racing DNA of Yamaha
and thus have racing spirit in it. The motorcycles uses telescopic
suspension at the front and mono-cross suspension at the rear which is
capable enough to handle Indian roads exceptionally well.
The braking hardware also has improved than its previous version, the
rear now gets a 220mm bigger disc brakes and the front wheel has been
fitted with hydraulic disc brakes which provides excellent braking power
to this mean machine. The motorcycle has stronger torque at lower revs
which is a good news for many Indians because most of the people can
ride this machine in city traffic also, Yamaha’s Delta box frame gives
the R15 an edge over other motorcycles of its class, the new and
improved tyres also does its job pretty well by sticking to the tarmac.
Pricing
The R15 version 2.0 is priced at RS.1,10,750 (Ex showroom Delhi).
The R15 version 2.0 is available with following color options:
Invincible Black
Raring red
Thundering Green
Racing Blue
Competition
The R15 version 2.0 faces tough competition from the
Pulsar 180
Although
the Bajaj Pulsar 180 is powered by a 178.6 cc engine it generates the
same amount of power that the R15 generates, the Pulsar generates 17.02
PS of maximum power at 8500 rpm and 14.22 NM of maximum torque at
6500rpm. The R15 version 2.0 has more racing features than the Pulsar
180 DTSi.
Conclusion
Yamaha
R15 version 2.0 is more meaner, stylish and the performance level has
also increased by a fair margin, the new and improved motorcycle will
certainly attract the attention of young generation of India for sure
and with that pricing they can afford a racing motorcycle for themselves
which is meant for both the track as well the roads.
Quotes
“The
R15 is easier to ride faster around corners, it is better when powering
out of corners and very stable down the straights. While the difference
may not be startling Yamaha has managed to improve the R15 discernibly
in every area. And, while that is no small feat, more performance is
needed to really spice things up. The R15 V2.0 is priced at Rs9,500
premium over the out going model”—Autocar india
“With handling of a true race-bike, the new Yamaha YZF-R15 2.0 now looks the part too”—Zigwheels India
Great looks
Good handling and performance
Fuel economy needs improvement
Pillion might face problems seating at the back
Press Release
Cementing
its foothold in the premium segment, India Yamaha Motor today launched
the YZF-R15 version 2.0 – a 150cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke fuel injected
bike. The YZF-R15 version 2.0 is a new model that has been developed
under the concept of a “Graded Up R15.” While maintaining the proven
ease of handling of the existing R15, the R15 version 2.0 boasts of
spruced up looks and better performance in circuit riding. The design
elements are borrowed from the supersport model YZF-R1 that is adapted
from YZR-M1 MotoGP race machine. The new bike is priced at Rs. 1,07,000
(Ex-showroom, Delhi) and will be available in Racing Blue, Midnight
Black & Sunset Red colors.
The R15 version 2.0 has undergone
changes as compared to the present YZF-R15 in the specs of the Engine
Control unit (ECU), drivetrain unit, a long aluminum swing arm, wider
front and rear tires (radial tire for the rear), split seat, LED
taillights and new-design middle cowl & tail cowl.
Speaking on
the occasion, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & Managing Director, India
Yamaha Motor, said, “Having witnessed the tremendous fan following
received by the existing YZF-R15, we are very excited about the launch
of the YZF-R15 version 2.0 which promises to deliver greater performance
and enhanced features. Seeing the trend, the market for premium bikes
in India offers immense scope as this segment consists of people who are
looking for performance characteristics.”
“The YZF-R15 version
2.0 is an upgraded version of our flagship bike YZF-R15 and is designed
keeping in mind the comfort as well as the thrill of a sports ride. The
YZF-R15 has been continuously gaining ranks in the hotly contested
premium segment since its launch 3 years ago and we are sure to repeat
the same feat for the new version too. With the festive season round the
corner, we expect the new model to be an instant hit amongst biking
enthusiasts”, he added.
Based on the “Graded Up R15” concept, the
development focused on the two main areas of body styling and sporty
performance, and an array of optimum features were adopted throughout
the machine to make sure that customers enjoy the thrill of a refined
and impressive body styling in the supersport image with the newly
designed middle cowl, tail cowl, split seat, LED taillights, new exhaust
pipe & silencer specs. The newly designed middle cowl features
improved aerodynamic performance at higher speeds - the aerodynamic
resistance value is 4% better than that of the existing YZF-R15.
The
R15 version 2.0 also sports the first aluminum swing arm in the 150cc
segment in the Indian market and has a truss structure that enables
greater rigidity while improving handling in the turns. The new seat
design enables a better feeling of seat grip in sporty riding. Also,
“low front, high tail” design enables a riding posture that is well
suited to both sporty riding and everyday riding around town.
The
new ECU control and drivetrain unit specs ensure that riders enjoy
improved off-the-line acceleration and high speed performance. The
silencer protector has also been newly designed in a way that adds
cadence to overall styling. It adopts a carbon-look pattern on the
surface as well as a model nameplate to add to the high-performance
image and the feeling of quality. To improve the feeling of clutch
operation, a more rigid clutch axle shaft than the existing type has
been adopted. Furthermore, the pulley that serves as a medium between
the throttle wire and throttle valve has been changed to a perfect
circular type to improve the linearity of the throttle action and
thereby achieve better response. The wider 130mm radial rear tire and 90
mm front tire impart reduced roll resistance, high-speed cornering
stability and improved handling performance. A larger 220mm diameter
rear disc brake has been adopted to achieve a better balance with the
new rear tire size and ensure good braking power.
Another
interesting aspect of the bike is the mud guard and sari guard attached
to the swing arm which enhances the exterior design product value. The
new design of 5-spoke cast wheels achieves the necessary strength
balance while creating a sense of lightness at the same time.
